Former Super Falcons winger and current Heartland Queens coach, Stella Mbachu, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Mallam Shehu Dikko, to honour retired Super Falcons players whose contributions laid the foundation for Nigeria’s success in women’s football.
The appeal follows President Tinubu’s recent recognition of the current Super Falcons squad, who won the 2024 WAFCON title in Morocco, receiving cash rewards and property in appreciation of their achievement.
While commending the gesture, Mbachu urged the federal government to extend the same recognition to former players who brought Nigeria international acclaim through years of sacrifice, resilience, and success.
“We’re grateful to President Tinubu for honouring the present Super Falcons, but we appeal that he does the same for past generations of players who gave their all for this country,” Mbachu said In an interview. “We did our best for Nigeria, but no administration appreciated our efforts. It’s time the NSC chairman and Mr. President remembered us.”
Mbachu’s call is echoed by fellow ex-internationals including Perpetua Nkwocha, Prisca Emeafu, Precious Dede, Judith Chime, Martha Tarhemba, and Patience Avre Odeli — all veterans of Nigeria’s dominant run in African women’s football, including nine continental titles and multiple World Cup and Olympic Games appearances.
Prisca Emeafu emphasized that national recognition would offer overdue validation. “We want to feel that our efforts mattered — that our country values what we did.”
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From Atlanta, former goalkeeper Judith Chime praised the president’s support for the current squad, but reminded him that the pioneers deserve acknowledgment too.
“Before Mission X, there were unsung heroines one to nine,” she said. “He should be truly fatherly and wipe our tears.”
In Chicago, ex-striker Patience Avre Odeli — a key player in Nigeria’s historic 1999 World Cup quarterfinal run — described the situation of many retired players as dire.
“We were used and dumped,” she said. “Some are living with broken promises, health issues, and no recognition. We hope President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda brings us the dignity we deserve.”
Despite past neglect, the group commended the current administration’s gestures and expressed hope for lasting change.
Led by Mbachu, they are not merely seeking rewards, but rightful acknowledgment for their foundational role in the rise of Nigerian women’s football.